A lumbar spine MRI is an effective way to create detailed images of the structures of the spine. While X-rays and CT (computed topographic) scans use radiation, MRI uses a combination of powerful magnets and radio waves to detect abnormalities and injuries.

“The injuries that we see in the lumbar spine include ligamentous injuries and most commonly herniations of the discs,” says Audrey Spielmann, a radiologist and HealthChoicesFirst.com partner. “That can be seen in many different sports and just in everyday life as well. I would say that doing racquet sports, any sort of lifting sport and golfing with twisting and just carrying your sport equipment might be a common way to get a lumbar spine herniation.”

Disc Herniation MRI

Many patients with back or leg pain actually have a herniated disc. A disc herniation MRI is often used to aid in diagnosing a herniated disc, in conjunction with a physical examination.

 “The MRI is the best way to look at disc herniations and to see the effect of the herniation on the nerve roots,” says Spielmann. “We can see disc herniations with CT as well, but we can’t identify the exact relationship to the nerve roots or to the spinal cord higher up in the spine so there is much greater detail with MRI. What we don’t see as well on CT are the soft tissues.”

Lumbar Spine MRI vs. CT Scan

“Particularly in the lower lumbar spine, there can be quite a bit of artifact, and the detail within the disc herniation is not as well seen. In particular, we don’t see the impingement or compression of the nerve roots with CT nor do we see the spinal cord with CT so MRI of the lumbar spine gives us much better resolution,” says Spielmann. “The other benefit with MRI of the lumbar spine is that we can view the anatomy in multiple planes.

“What MRI can do for us is identify the nerve roots which are not seen specifically with CT.  We can identify the degree of compression of the nerve roots. The details shown with MRI helps the surgeon decide whether surgery is needed for disc herniation or if just conservative management is sufficient.” 

Watch the MRI vs. CT Scan vs. Ultrasound video for more on these three types of diagnostic imaging.

If you have any questions about lumbar spine MRI or disc herniation MRI, contact your family doctor or a local diagnostic imaging center.

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